Chelsea rival Newcastle in chase for QPR hitman Austin

Newcastle United face a real battle to land QPR striker Charlie Austin, with Premier League champions Chelsea reportedly entering the chase.

The Magpies have pinpointed the former Burnley man as a main target for the close season, but the England call-up, who hit 18 goals for relegated QPR last term, is also a reported target for Aston Villa, Spurs and Liverpool.

Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho has freed veteran frontman Didier Drogba and is keen to add another striker to his squad, with Austin in his sights, according to ESPN.

Mourinho is also interested in Radamel Falcao, despite his disappointing form on loan for Manchester United last season, but Liverpool are potential rivals.

Austin is expected to leave the Loftus Road club, following relegation, but he is keeping cool on talks over his future.

He said last week: “I feel like I’ve worked hard enough this season for QPR to try to be a Premier League player, but, at the moment, I’ve still got a year left at QPR.

“I’ll sit down with my family and my agent. I’ll speak to Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand and tell them my thoughts and they’ll tell me their thoughts.

“After these two weeks, I’ll sit down with the club, but I just want to be fully focused on these next two weeks with England.”